Posts Tagged ‘Hebrews 1-2’
Scripture reading for December 12th: Hebrews 1-2
“We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?” (Hebrews 2:1-3a) The letter to the Hebrews was written to Jews who had been saved and became followers of Jesus Christ. They suffered intense persecution, some had their own families disown them, and some were being put to death. The persecution caused some to begin to question their salvation and relationship with Jesus Christ. The writer encouraged these Jews to pay careful attention to the word of God and the truth that had been preached to them. Careful attention would keep them on the narrow path of life.
The writer of Hebrews reminded these believers that the the Son of God had brought the message of salvation to the Jews first. He confirmed it with signs and wonders and miracles. (Hebrews 2:3-4) Jesus was raised to a position of glory and honor after suffering death for everyone. God made the author of their salvation perfect through suffering and He is in the process of perfecting those who follow Jesus as well.
“Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death–that is, the devil– and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Hebrews 2:14-15) As Christians, we now have no more fear of death. Christ has freed us from that fear by conquering death and the grave. He destroyed the devil and took the keys of death and hell away from him. (Revelation 1:18)
All men have been held by the fear of death because all have sinned and know that death is the penalty for sin. The second death is the real fear because it is appointed to men once to die and then comes the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27) Christ took our sins and paid the penalty of death for all who believe on Him. He can help us now because He is our faithful high priest, having offered His own blood for our sins! (Hebrews 2:17-18) What a blessing to be freed from this enslaving fear!
Scripture reading for December 11th: Hebrews 1-2
What is God like? God is a spirit and we are not equipped naturally to see or understand the character of a spirit-being. God sent His first-born Son, Jesus Christ to fully reveal His character. As we look at Jesus and His completely humble and obedient character, we can begin to know and understand God. The writer of Hebrews opens his letter with a wonderful statement about Jesus.
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” Hebrews 1:1-3
Jesus Christ is God’s last word for us. You might look at it like this. In the Old Testament times God spoke the language of “prophet” at various times and in various places. In New Testament times, God speaks “Son”. His Son is His exact representation. His Son made the universe! His Son sustains everything with His powerful word! If you really want to know about God, then look to Jesus and listen to His word. It is truth and full of power!
Not only is Jesus Christ the creator and sustainer of all that is, He also made purification for sins. His life of total obedience and reverent fear of the Lord made Him the only one capable of being a sacrifice for our sins. He willingly and obediently obeyed His Father and offered His body and blood to atone for sin. His sacrifice was sufficient and provides the only way to be cleansed from sin.
After offering Himself on the cross and tasting death for us, He was buried in a tomb. On the third day, He rose from the dead. He ministered for forty days to his amazed disciples and over 500 other followers before ascending to heaven on a cloud. Once there, He was seated at the right hand of the Majesty of God the Father. He took the place of the exalted first-b0rn Son of God. He is seated because His work is finished. He is there to intercede for us until He comes again for us.
“Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” Hebrews 2:14-15
This is the last word from heaven for us! We are free from the fear of death and the devil because of Christ’s death! May God have the “last word” in your life today and every day!